Saudi: Defense Ministry Official Arrested For A Million Riyal Scandal

According to the SPA state news agency, a defense ministry official was arrested on charges of receiving a SAR1 million ($267,000) bribe and abusing his position.

The Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah al-Muajab said that the concerned security authorities received information from the Saudi Ministry of Defense regarding suspicious dealings of an official in the ministry with a commercial company in the kingdom.

He added that after thorough investigation, it was concluded that the official sought to facilitate irregular procedures for the payment of financial dues to that company.

According to al-Muajab the official misused his powers when he accepted a bribe of $260,000, calling the bribery plot a “betrayal of trust”.

The accused official and during interrogation confessed to the bribe, pointing out that two other persons were involved as well. The Saudi authorities later apprehended the other two.

In its statement, the Public Prosecution noted its keenness to take every step to preserve the country’s capabilities and achievements and to track anyone who tries to misuse public money, abuse power or exploit their influence, or violate the integrity of the public office.